He was born Delecta Clark in Blytheville, Arkansas, and moved to Chicago in 1941. His mother, Essie Mae Clark, was a gospel singer and encouraged her son to pursue his love of music. Clark made his first recording in 1952 as a member of the Hambone Kids, who enjoyed some success with a recording of "Hambone" on the OKeh label. In 1953, he joined an R&B group called the Goldentones, who later became the Kool Gents and were discovered by Chicago radio DJ Herb Kent upon winning a talent competition. Kent had the Kool Gents signed to Vee-Jay label's subsidiary Falcon/Abner. The group recorded for Falcon/Abner in 1956, and also recorded a novelty record as "The Delegates".
Clark embarked on a solo career in 1957, initially following the styles of Clyde McPhatter and Little Richard. When Little Richard temporarily abandoned his music career to study the Bible, Clark fulfilled Richard's remaining live dates and also recorded with his backing band, the Upsetters. Over the next four years he landed several moderate hits, two of which ("Just Keep It Up" and "Hey Little Girl") reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100). His records for Abner and Vee-Jay were orchestrated by Riley Hampton. His biggest single, "Raindrops," a power ballad augmented by heavy rain and thunder sound effects and Clark's swooping falsetto, was released in the spring of 1961 and became his biggest hit, soaring to number two on the pop chart and number three on the R&B charts. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. "Raindrops" was also an international success, reaching number one in New Zealand and reaching the top ten in South Africa and Belgium, and selling well in Japan. "Raindrops" remains a staple on oldies and adult standards radio station playlists to this day, and has also been covered by several other artists in the years since, including David Cassidy, Tony Orlando and Dawn, and most notably Narvel Felts, who took the song to number 30 on the country chart in 1974. Clark himself recorded an updated version of "Raindrops" in 1973.
However, Clark's biggest hit was also his last. The follow-up to "Raindrops," "Don't Walk Away From Me," was a flop, and he made the pop charts in America only twice more, with "I'm Going Back to School" (1962) and "Crossfire Time" (1963). By the time "Crossfire Time" came out, Clark had moved from Vee-Jay to the Constellation label. Though he continued to record for Constellation through 1966, none of his records charted nationally. He had considerable local success in Chicago with such standout recordings as "Come Closer" (1964), the double-sided hit of "Warm Summer Breezes" and "Heartbreak" (1964), and "TCB" (1965). He later recorded for the Columbia, Wand, Liberty and Rocky labels, without success. Clark had a brief revival in 1975 when his song "Ride a Wild Horse" became a surprise Top 30 hit in the UK Singles Chart, becoming his first chart hit in the UK since "Just Keep It Up."
Afterwards, Clark performed mostly on the oldies circuit. By the late 1980s, he was in dire straits financially, living in a welfare hotel in Toccoa, Georgia. Despite suffering a stroke in 1987 that left him partially paralyzed and with a mild speech impediment, he continued to perform until his death on December 7, 1990, in Smyrna, Georgia, from a heart attack at the age of 52. His last concert was with the Jimmy Gilstrap Band at the Portman Lounge in Anderson, South Carolina.
Duke of Earl
Dee Clark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
As I walk through this world
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
And-a you, you are my girl
And no one can hurt you, oh no
Yes-a, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
Come on let me hold you darlin'
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl
So hey yea yea yeah
And when I hold you
You'll be my Duchess, Duchess of Earl
We'll walk through my dukedom
And a paradise we will share
Yes-a, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
Nothing can stop me now
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl
So hey yeah yeah yeah
Well, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
Nothing can stop me now
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl
So hey yeah yeah yeah
In Dee Clark's song "Duke of Earl," the repeated verses emphasize the importance and impact of the Duke of Earl's presence. The repetition of "Duke" serves as both a proclamation of his title and a declaration of authority. The use of repetition in the song creates a strong and confident atmosphere, reflecting the Duke's self-assured demeanor.
The Duke of Earl is portrayed as someone who walks through life with unstoppable determination. He is not easily swayed or hindered by obstacles that come his way. The phrase "Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl" reinforces this sense of invincibility and power. It suggests that the Duke possesses a strong sense of self-worth and resilience, enabling him to navigate through challenges effortlessly.
The lyrics also express a sense of romantic devotion. The Duke addresses a specific person, likely a lover, whom he affectionately refers to as "you." He claims them as his own and assures them that no harm will come to them under his protection. This reaffirms the Duke's authority and his ability to provide safety and security for his loved one.
The chorus further conveys the Duke's unwavering love and commitment. He expresses his intention to cherish and adore the person he sings to. The line "Come on let me hold you darling" represents his desire to embrace and comfort his beloved. It demonstrates that despite his royal status, the Duke is not detached or distant, but rather deeply invested in this relationship.
Overall, "Duke of Earl" combines elements of power, confidence, and romance. It celebrates the Duke's unwavering authority, his ability to overcome any obstacles, and his undying love and devotion to his significant other. Through its repetitive structure and impassioned lyrics, the song exudes a sense of grandeur and captures the essence of the Duke of Earl's character.
Line by Line Meaning
Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Acknowledging and emphasizing the title and identity of the main character, the Duke of Earl.
As I walk through this world
Describing the singer's presence and influence in the world.
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
Asserting the invincibility and unstoppable nature of the Duke of Earl.
And-a you, you are my girl
Declaring that the artist considers the listener as his romantic partner.
And no one can hurt you, oh no
Promising protection and safety to the listener, ensuring no harm will come to them.
Yes-a, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
Expressing the singer's intense affection and commitment towards the listener.
Come on let me hold you darlin'
Inviting the listener to embrace physical closeness and affectionate gestures.
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl
Explaining that his status as the Duke of Earl makes him deserving of the listener's love and devotion.
So hey yea yea yeah
An enthusiastic interjection to emphasize and celebrate the artist's identity.
And when I hold you
Describing the physical act of embracing the listener.
You'll be my Duchess, Duchess of Earl
Referring to the listener as the parallel female counterpart to the Duke of Earl, emphasizing their royal status.
We'll walk through my dukedom
Implying a shared journey and experience within the Duke of Earl's domain.
And a paradise we will share
Suggesting that the love and companionship between the Duke and Duchess of Earl will create a blissful and heavenly existence.
Well, I, oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
Reiterating the singer's unwavering dedication and devotion towards the listener.
Nothing can stop me now
Emphasizing the singer's confidence and determination in pursuing their love.
'Cause I'm the Duke of Earl
Reaffirming the artist's identity and the power it holds in their pursuit of love.
So hey yeah yeah yeah
A repeated expression of enthusiasm and celebration of the artist's status as the Duke of Earl.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EUGENE DIXON, EARL EDWARDS, BERNICE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaelmartin6912
Geez , just one of the ELITE sounds of the best early R and R era....just great ! We lost Mr. Clarke at only 52....bummer....😢
@timjones7547
Wow! I haven't heard this in fifty plus years, but I sang along to the lyrics as though I sang it yesterday. What a great old song...
@MarleneInostrozadeBoyle
No soy de su época, pero esta canción me gusta mucho. Bendiciones.
@manuelcampos2357
I remember Dee Clark. I gave my cd to a friend
@Rocketman88002
The 60's decade of music had a sound all of its own.....kind of a hybrid of what was and what it became. Dee Clark carries on the theme of love and broken hearts that preceded from forever before his time.
@tyronesmith8250
The scream at the end goes right through my heart and hits me so hard In my soul!!!
@loretosilva7687
You're right😥💔
@tw364
you hit it on the head!
@5871248
gots a good scream...reminds me of Jackie Wilson...anbother good screamer.
@axecalibore
I noticed the same.